Latest Updates

Oilers Won't Be Re-Signing Eager

News:Ben Eager won't be re-signed by the Oilers, according to the Edmonton Journal.

Analysis:Ben Eager has never been able to crack the Oilers' lineup full-time and looks to be more of a career minor-leaguer. The Oilers have more than enough of those already, so he'll have to find work elsewhere.

Oilers Reassign Eager

Analysis: With Taylor Hall checking out fine in his return to action Thursday, the Oilers will rid themselves of a couple of excess forwards who would benefit from more ice time in the minors. Ben Eager has appeared in seven games this season for the Oilers, scoring one point.

Oilers Recall Eager

Analysis: Presumably, he'll slot into the lineup on the fourth line as a depth option with the Oilers facing the potential absence of Taylor Hall (knee) at least for Tuesday's game, while they have a few other forwards who were forced to miss practice Monday as well.

Oilers' Eager Clears Waivers

Analysis: He'll report to AHL Oklahoma City after he unsurprisingly went claimed after he was dumped by the Oilers on Wednesday. He could merit a call up at some point this season if injuries take their toll with the NHL club.

Oilers Place Eager On IR

News:Ben Eager has been placed on IR, Dan Tencer of CHED in Edmonton reports.

Analysis: As per usual, there is no timetable for Ben Eager's return, although the move should be retroactive to allow his activation once he's healthy enough to play again. Theo Peckham was activated to replace Eager on the Oilers' roster.

Oilers' Eager Diagnosed With Concussion

Analysis:Ben Eager needed stitches after a fight with Zack Kassian on Sunday, but it appears now that his injury is more serious than just the swelling that kept him out of Tuesday's game against the Sharks. We've seen concussions sideline players for long periods of time, so there is no timetable for his return yet.

Eager (eye) Rested Monday

News:Ben Eager (eye) took a full day off Monday, Oilers' Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.

Analysis:Ben Eager required stitches around his eye after a fight with Vancouver's Zack Kassian Sunday night. He rested Monday and the Oilers are hoping he can play Tuesday night against San Jose. Eager is far from a prolific scorer, but has had over 100 PIM in five of his NHL seasons.

Oilers' Eager: Assault Charges Upgraded

News:Ben Eager had his charges stemming from a bar fight last weekend upgraded Friday, reports the Toronto Sun.

Analysis: He and his brother were originally charged with threatening bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon after the Toronto bar fight, but police have upgraded the assault causing bodily harm to aggravated assault and they've added another assault charge. According to witnesses, the "weapon" in question may have been a chair.

Oilers' Eager In Trouble With The Law

News:Ben Eager was arrested following an incident with a door man in Toronto, according to the Edmonton Sun.

Analysis:Ben Eager's brother was also arrested in the incident. Apparently there was a fight that was captured on video. The charges stem from assault, assault with bodily harm, and assault with a weapon. Probably not the kind of headlines Edmonton was hoping for this week.

Eager Tops Oilers' PIM List

News: In Saturday's season finale against Vancouver, Ben Eager earned four penalty minutes, capping his season with a team-high 107 PIMs.

Analysis: Unlike some goons, who pad their totals with you-beat-me penalties such as holding and hooking, he earned these four minutes the old-fashioned way (cross-checking and roughing). Despite his meager total of 13 points this campaign, he'll be back in his enforcer role next year; the Oilers didn't hire him for his elegant passing and his deft skating.

Zebras Nab Eager Twice In Edmonton's Win

News:Ben Eager was sent off for seven penalty minutes (roughing and fighting) in Edmonton's win over Detroit on Saturday night.

Analysis: He isn't in the game for his graceful skating or a delicate passing touch; his 79 PIMs lead the team. That being said, his trips to the sin bin come in bunches surrounded by long droughts, and right now he seems to be in a mood to mix it up. If you need help in the PIM category, you should consider picking him up, but be ready to drop him if he shows signs of another stretch of placidity.

Oilers' Eager Could Return Monday

News:Ben Eager (concussion) could return to the lineup Monday, Dan Tencer of CHED in Edmonton reports.

Analysis: Head coach Tom Renney made the announcement Sunday. Look for an update from the team Monday following the morning skate, which would likely include information regarding who he'll replace in the Edmonton lineup.

Oilers' Eager (Concussion) Wears Non-Contact Jersey Friday

Analysis: The 27-year-old winger is playing for his fourth team in seven seasons. It looks like Ben Eager will be returning to contact drills soon, but the Oilers are clearly being cautious and he won't play Saturday night.

Oilers' Eager Looking Doubtful for Regular Season Opener

Analysis: "If he's medically cleared that's one thing, but he also has to be fit because you put a player in a dangerous situation, otherwise.," Oilers' head coach Tom Renney said. It appears as if Ben Eager will be held out to get his body back into playing shape.

Oilers Sign Eager To Three-Year Deal

Analysis: Eager racked up 110 penalty minutes in 68 games evenly split between the Sharks and Thrashers last season. He also had 17 points (7 G, 10 A), though most of his fantasy contributions will come when he drops the gloves.

Sharks' Eager Makes Sin Bin Home In Game 2

News: Eager scored a goal and racked up a whopping 20 penalty minutes in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Canucks in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

Analysis: According to the San Jose Mercury News, Eager was whistled for six penalties, including a boarding call. And despite all of the whistles, he still recorded close to 11 minutes of ice time in the game, the most he's had so far in the postseason.

Sharks' Eager Sees Limited Action In Loss

News: Eager took the place of injured forward Ryane Clowe (upper body) in Tuesday's Game 6 loss to the Red Wings, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: The Sharks sent Eager on the ice for just six shifts, equaling 4:25 of ice time. As a fourth-line forward, it would be unreasonable to expect Eager to pick up Clowe-like minutes. Still, it has to be tough for Eager to make an impact with such limited ice time.

Sharks' Eager Could Play Tuesday

News: Sharks Todd McLellan listed Eager as a possible replacement for Ryane Clowe (ankle) ahead of Tuesday's Game 6 against the Red Wings, the Sharks' official site reports.

Analysis: Jamie McGinn and Jamal Mayers are also candidates to fill in. None of the aforementioned players are on the same level as Clowe offensively, but Eager plays a physical game which might be taken into consideration as the Sharks look to close out the series Tuesday night.

Sharks' Eager Could Play Friday's Semifinal Opener

News: Eager could draw back into the lineup for Game 1 Friday against the Red Wings, as speculated by the San Jose Mercury News.

Analysis: Eager was a healthy scratch for Games 5 and 6 of the quarterfinal playoff series against the Kings, though Sharks' brass did not specifically explain why he was benched in favor of Jamie McGinn on the fourth line. Teams are careful not to divulge too much information to the media around playoff time, but the Mercury News have reason to believe that Eager will suit up for the first game of the semifinals since he was reportedly off the ice after the optional morning skate.

Sharks' Eager Sees More Pine

News: Eager was not in the lineup Monday, when the Sharks clinched a series win over the Kings, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Coach Todd McLellan opted to play Jamie McGinn over Eager on the left wing for the last two games of the series. Certainly it will be interesting to see if Eager is truly in the doghouse or if the bench boss was simply playing the matchups on the lower lines. Fantasy owners of the physical forward will have to wait until the next series to find the answer.

Sharks' Eager Not Seeing Substantial Minutes

News: Eager, who was scratched from Game 5 in favor of Jamie McGinn, has only seen limited ice time in the playoff series against the Kings, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: The longest Eager has been on the ice this postseason was Game 2 on April 16, when he played for just 7:19. According to the report, he took a costly penalty and was on the rink for two goals by the Kings in Game 3. There is no word yet as to whether Eager or McGinn will slide into the lowest line for Monday's Game 6 on the road.

Sharks' Eager Collects A Point Thursday

Analysis: Eager is not counted on for much offense in Team Teal's system, but he does have the ability to strike from time to time. If your league weighs heavily on penalty minutes, Eager makes for a decent low-end fantasy option as he has accumulated 110 PIMs this season.

Sharks' Eager Could Ascend To Second Line

News: Eager could move up to the second line for Thursday's contest against the Wild, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Eager could see ice time with Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture while the Sharks reshuffle due to Dany Heatley's suspension with a duo that has 102 points combined this season. This should make life easier for Eager offensively, though he lacks fantasy upside with just 14 points (5 G, 9 A) in 57 games.

Sharks' Eager Goes Back To Work

News: Eager returned from his upper-body injury in time for Thursday's 3-1 win over Detroit.

Analysis: Despite returning after a one-game absence, Eager only managed 5:48 in Thursday's contest. There is not much Eager can do in that small amount of ice time to help out in fantasy leagues. His role is that of a checking forward on the bottom lines anyway.

Sharks' Eager Notches First Goal In Teal

News: Eager pocketed his first goal as a member of the Sharks on Wednesday.

Analysis: Eager also picked up two penalty minutes in the contest. While we don't expect him to suddenly turn into an offensive wonder, Eager is starting to gel with the Sharks. Better yet, his ice time has now increased in four straight games.

Eager Makes Debut With Sharks

News: Eager skated for just over seven minutes in his debut with the Sharks on Thursday.

Analysis: Eager delivered two hits and a block in his first game dressed in teal. He's never been much of an offensive force, but he'll get his share of penalty minutes in a checking role for the Sharks.

Eager Could Make Sharks' Debut Thursday

News: Eager, who was recently traded to San Jose from Atlanta, is expected to practice with the Sharks on Wednesday with the possibility of being in Thursday's lineup against the Canucks, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: Eager was a member of the Blackhawks for their championship season last year, which must have been a selling point for the Sharks, a franchise that has yet to bring the Stanley Cup to San Jose. Just keep in mind that Eager has yet to reach the 20-point plateau in his career.

Eager Traded to Sharks

News: Eager has been traded from Atlanta to San Jose, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. The Thrashers will receive a fifth-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Analysis: Eager just finished serving his four-game suspension for a sucker punch on Toronto's Colby Armstrong, so he'll be eligible to play in the Sharks' next game, Thursday at Vancouver. He'll skate on a bottom line and provide some toughness that the Sharks may need in what's been an underachieving season so far.

Thrashers' Eager Hit With Four-Game Suspension

News: The NHL has suspended Eager four games for his sucker punch to Toronto's Colby Armstrong on Friday, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Eager's antics (he was also assessed four penalty minutes earlier in the game that led to a power-play goal) crushed the Thrashers, who surrendered a total of five short-handed goals while Eager was out. If he doesn't appeal the suspension and starts serving the punishment immediately, he'll be eligible to return Jan. 20 against Tampa Bay.

Thrashers land enforcer Eager

News: The Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks dealt playoff star Dustin Byfuglien along with defenseman Brent Sopel and forward Ben Eager to the Atlanta Thrashers for a package of draft picks and players. Chicago gets first- (24th overall) and second-round picks in the 2010 NHL Draft as well as forwards Marty Reasoner, Joey Crabb and Jeremy Morin. Atlanta also receives prospect Akim Aliu in the deal that became official early Thursday morning.

Analysis: Eager, 26, had a goal and two assists in the playoffs after having a career-high 16 points in the regular season. He also had at least 100 PIM for the third time in four years. Eager will continue to be a checking-line presence in Atlanta and is nothing more than a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager puts up career night

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager had a goal and two assists for a career-high three points in his second multipoint game this season as Chicago blanked the Wild 4-0 on Wednesday night.

Analysis: Eager's big night moved him to just 13 points on the season and ended a 19-game skid without a point. He has never been much of a scorer though, and is on the ice for his physical play and solid defensive play. Continue to ignore him in all but deeper leagues that reward PIM.

Hawks' fourth line starting to click

News:The Sports Xchange reports the Blackhawks had high expectations for Tomas Kopecky and fourth-line mates Ben Eager and Colin Fraser, and they went unfulfilled for much of this season. The three, though, combined for the decisive goal at Calgary on Thursday and have accumulated 23 points and a plus-15 rating in the last 15 games before going up against the Canucks. "That whole line has been getting better and better and better," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Now they're scoring key goals and the consistency we were hoping for them is in place."

Analysis: No matter how well a fourth line is beginning to play, it is still usually one of the least-used lines in hockey. It's great for Chicago that it is getting quality production from Kopecky, Eager and Fraser. Still, all three of those guys have marginal Fantasy appeal. Eager is also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager has go-ahead score

News:Colin Fraser knocked a clearing pass out of the air, leading to Ben Eager's go-ahead goal at 5:52 of the third period in the Blackhawks' 3-1 victory Thursday. After Fraser intercepted the puck off the stick of Flames defenseman Adam Pardy, Tomas Kopecky controlled it in the slot and had his shot deflect off Eager's knee and past goalie Miikka Kiprusoff. Eager has two goals in two games against Calgary.

Analysis: Eager has scored twice in his last four games and is up to 10 points in 34 contests. However, it's nothing to get excited over. He still serves as more of a checking-line presence for Chicago. Eager is pretty much a Fantasy option in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager has five points in six games

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 on Thursday against the Bruins. He has one goal and four assists in his last six games.

Analysis: It's unusual to see Eager have a bit of an offensive outburst since he is not know for his offense. But Chicago is doing well and getting production from all four of their lines. Eager still dresses on most nights as a checking-line forward, so he is pretty much a Fantasy option in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager back after missing 13 games

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager was activated from injured reserve on Monday against the Kings after missing 13 games with a concussion. He recorded no points in 8:21 of ice time and spent two minutes in the penalty box.

Analysis: Eager had a career-high 11 goals in 2008-09, but was still on the ice for his enforcer skills. Eager is pretty much a checking-line forward and option in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.

Eager to go on road trip

News: Chicago LW Ben Eager missed his 11th game because of a concussion on Friday against the Canadiens, but skated earlier in the day for the first time since sustaining the injury. "He skated well," head coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was encouraging today."

Analysis: The Blackhawks don't play again until Thursday night at Phoenix. Quenneville said Eager will make the trip with the team. Eager had a career-high 11 goals in 2008-09, but was still on the ice for his enforcer skills. Eager is pretty much a checking-line forward and option in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy. He is still a risky start for Week 5 (Nov. 2-8).

Eager getting concussion tests

News:The Sports Xchange reports that Blackhawks LW Ben Eager, who hasn't skated since the Hawks returned from Europe, might be out awhile, and coach Joel Quenneville broke from the NHL norm in describing Eager's problem at the morning skate on Monday. "He has symptoms related to a concussion," Quenneville said. Clubs generally don't disclose that information. "That's where we're at," said Quenneville. "There's no time (set for Eager's return). There's no defining moment (for when the injury occurred). We're still doing some testing."

Analysis: Eager had a career-high 11 goals in 2008-09, but was still on the ice for his enforcer skills. Eager is pretty much a checking-line forward and option in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy. This injury might keep him out for a while, though.

Eager makes trip to IR

News: The Blackhawks placed LW Ben Eager on injured reserve Thursday with an upper-body issue. He was scoreless in two games and had no penalty minutes.

Analysis: Eager had a career-high 11 goals in 2008-09, but was still on the ice for his enforcer skills. Eager is pretty much a checking-line forward and option in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.

Blackhawks keep enforcer Eager

News: The Blackhawks came to terms with five free agents Monday. They gave forward Troy Brouwer and goalie Corey Crawford two-year deals, while forward Ben Eager, forward Colin Fraser and defenseman Aaron Johnson all got one-year contracts. "I am happy to have these five players back with us. They are quality individuals who played an important role with us last season and their talents are a big part of our goals for next season, GM Dave Tallon said.

Analysis: Eager finished his second season with the Blackhawks in 2008-09. He led the team and ranked 13th in the NHL with 161 penalty minutes. He also had a career-high 11 goals and 15 points in 75 games. Coach Joel Quenneville kept Eager as a staple on his checking line and should do the same in 2009-10. Eager is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager totals 15 PIM in return

News: Chicago LW Ben Eager returned Sunday against the Canucks following a three-game suspension. He didn't record a point in 7:51 of ice time, but racked up 15 penalty minutes. With 5:50 left in the game, Eager dropped the gloves with Kevin Bieksa and was handed a game misconduct on top of a major fighting penalty.

Analysis: Eager did what he does best Sunday -- get into trouble. Chicago is happy to get back one of their top enforcers for the stretch run, but Eager remains nothing more than a Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.

Eager suspended three games by NHL

News: Chicago LW Ben Eager was suspended for three games without pay by the NHL on Saturday night for a hit to the head on Edmonton left wing Liam Reddox in the Oilers' 5-4 shootout victory Friday night. Eager, who wasn't penalized during the game for the hit, is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. The suspension will cost him $21,951.

Analysis: Eager is an enforcer and these things happen once in a while when your job is to rough up the other team. He should not be used as an enforcer in the upcoming scoring period and should be used only in extremely deep leagues and leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager scores twice Thursday

News: Chicago LW Ben Eager was able to score twice on Thursday against the Panthers, including the final goal with less than a minute to go in a 4-0 win over the Panthers. Eager gave Chicago a 2-0 lead at 8:32 in the third period and the Blackhawks never looked back.

Analysis: Eager is not much of a factor in Fantasy other than getting into fights every once in a while. This two-goal performance is highly unusual and not what to expect from him.

Eager has goals in two straight

News:The Sports Xchange reports that Blackhawks LW Ben Eager has scored goals in the last two games after his promotion to the third line to fill in for LW Dustin Byfuglien, who apparently is injured. Eager had only one goal in the first 17 games.

Analysis: Eager doesn't always dress for every game, but enters the lineup when Chicago is looking for a little added muscle. He is not counted on to be a heavy scorer and Eager remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager has two-point evening

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 in 14:05 of ice time Thursday against the Stars. Chicago went in front 2-1 at 6:44 of the second period when Eager skated in alone and beat Marty Turco from the right circle. It was his second goal of the season and first points in nine games.

Analysis: Eager doesn't always dress for every game, but enters the lineup when Chicago is looking for a little added muscle. He is not counted on to be a heavy scorer and Eager remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager scores in 125th game

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager scored his first goal of the season during Saturday's game against the Red Wings. Eager's deflection made it 4-2 with 5:18 left in the second period. He has 10 goals in 125 career games.

Analysis: Eager is not on the ice for his scoring presence and mostly dresses an an enforcer. He is not always guaranteed to play either, so treat him as a low-end Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager plays after suspension ends

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager played his first game Wednesday against the Coyotes after sitting out Chicago's first three because of a league suspension. He didn't have a point in 8:13 of ice time and took a two-minute penalty for interference.

Analysis: The Blackhawks got one of their top enforcers back Wednesday, but this might not be the only time he serves a suspension since he plays a very physical game. Continue to treat Eager as a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager suspended for three games

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager has been suspended three games for swinging his stick at Dallas' Sean Avery in a preseason game.

Analysis: Eager's value in Fantasy play is all about his bad behavior, so while match penalties are nice in leagues that reward PIM, missing three games won't help your team any in this first week. He remains a guy who has very minimal Fantasy value.

Eager could be suspended today

News: TSN.com reports that Blackhawks LW Ben Eager will have a hearing with the NHL Wednesday about the preseason incident last week when Eager, who was on the bench at the time, swung his stick at Dallas' Sean Avery and received a match penalty. Eager could be suspended from anywhere between six and 10 games.

Analysis: Eager's value in Fantasy play is all about his bad behavior, so while match penalties are nice in leagues that reward PIM, missing six games won't help your team any. He remains a guy who has very minimal Fantasy value.

Eager healthy in preseason camp

News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks LW Ben Eager was ready for the start of training camp after recovering from a concussion and a shoulder injury that sidelined him last March. He underwent surgery on the shoulder on March 24.

Analysis: Eager has an assist and minus-2 rating in three preseason games, but also has 11 penalty minutes. Eager has been and will likely always be a checking line forward. He only remains useful in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager out seven games and counting

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager (shoulder) was not back in the lineup Saturday against the Predators. Eager has been out for the past seven games and remains questionable for Sunday against St. Louis.

Analysis: Eager has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager sits out sixth straight game

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager (shoulder) was not back in the lineup Wednesday against the Capitals. He has now missed the last six games and remains questionable for Sunday against the Predators.

Analysis: Eager has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager not back vs. Flames

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager (shoulder) was not back in the lineup Sunday against the Flames. He has now missed the last five games and is questionable for Wednesday against the Capitals.

Analysis: Eager has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager continues to be sidelined

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager did not play again Friday in the game against Columbus after injuring his shoulder on March 7 against the Sharks. He is day to day and questionable for Sunday against Calgary.

Analysis: Eager was injured in his fourth game since returning to the lineup from a concussion. He has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

It's a no go again for Eager

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager did not play again Wednesday against Carolina after injuring his shoulder on March 7 against the Sharks. He is day to day and questionable for Friday at Columbus.

Analysis: Eager was injured in his fourth game since returning to the lineup from a concussion. He has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager not ready to play

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager did not play again Tuesday against Detroit after injuring his shoulder last Friday against the Sharks. He is day to day and questionable for Wednesday against Carolina.

Analysis: Eager was injured in his fourth game since returning to the lineup from a concussion. He has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager back out with injury

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager did not play Sunday against the Oilers after injuring his shoulder during Friday's game against the Sharks. He is day to day and questionable for Tuesday against the Blackhawks.

Analysis: Eager was injured in his fourth game since returning to the lineup from a concussion. He has struggled to stay healthy this season and has seen action in just 32 games. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager returns with game misconduct

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager returned to action Sunday against the Canucks after missing more than a month with a concussion. He picked up an assist, finished at plus-1 and was hit with a game misconduct.

Analysis: Eager had been with Chicago of the AHL on a conditioning assignment since mid-February, but finally made it back Sunday. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager misses another game Tues.

News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager (concussion) did not return to the lineup Tuesday against the Blues. He is expected back in the lineup within the week.

Analysis: Eager has been with Chicago of the AHL on a conditioning assignment, but it appears as though he is getting close to 100 percent. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager on the comeback trail

News: Injured Chicago forwards Jason Williams (sports hernia surgery) and Ben Eager (concussion) were out Sunday against the Avalanche, but both are expected to return within a week.

Analysis: Eager has been with Chicago of the AHL on a conditioning assignment, but it appears as though he is getting close to 100 percent. Eager, who was obtained in December from Philadelphia, is only worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes when healthy.

Eager placed on injured reserve

News: The Blackhawks placed LW Ben Eager on injured reserve Wednesday with what the team is calling a mild concussion. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, coach Denis Savard said Eager would be sidelined at least a week.

Analysis: Eager, who was obtained in a trade with the Flyers earlier this month, is only worth owning in leagues that reward penalty minutes as he's more of an enforcer than a scorer. Be sure to leave him on your bench for Fantasy Week 14 (Dec. 31-Jan. 6).

Eager shipped to Chicago

News: The Flyers traded to get defenseman Jim Vandermeer from Chicago on Tuesday night, sending left wing Ben Eager to the Blackhawks.

Analysis: Eager was a first-round draft pick in 2002 by Phoenix. He is scoreless with 62 penalty minutes in 23 games for the Flyers this season. He is merely an enforcer and someone to use in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Eager complains of dizziness

News: Flyers F Ben Eager left Saturday's game against the Islanders after one period complaining of dizziness. He logged just 1:09 of ice time. He has zero points and six penalty minutes in four games.

Analysis: Eager has just 19 points in 92 career games, but is coming off a season in which he spent 233 minutes in the penalty box. Don't use him outside of Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy. He is day to day.

Eager drops to fourth line

News: With C/LW R.J. Umberger back in the lineup, the Flyers sent Denis Tolpeko back to the Phantoms. Umberger played left wing on a line with C Mike Richards and LW Joffrey Lupul. Umberger's return dropped LW Ben Eager to a fourth line with C Jim Dowd and RW Boulerice.

Analysis: Eager is a tough kid, but this drop affects his Fantasy value. He's worth using in leagues that reward PIM heavily.

Eager doesn't play Saturday

News: Flyers LW Ben Eager did not return from his one-game suspension on Saturday against the Devils.

Analysis: The team has not said anything about Eager missing another game after sitting out Thursday. Eager is only useful in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes and it is likely he will be back after the All-Star break.

Eager to face 1-game suspension

News: Flyers LW Ben Eager was given a game misconduct for instigating a first-period fight with Penguins center Chris Thorburn. It was his third instigator penalty of the season, which means he will be suspended for the Flyers' home game against the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Analysis: Eager just took over the lead for most penalty minutes from Dallas' Matthew Barnaby. Eager's 132 penalty minutes currently top Barnaby's 127. Eager is only useful in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes. He will likely be back on the ice Saturday against the Devils.

Eager gets 17 penalty minutes

News: Flyers LW Ben Eager got a 10 minute game-misconduct penalty on Saturday against the Penguins and he didn't care to stop there. He got two more penalties before the game ended to bring his total to 17 penalty minutes for the game.

Analysis: Eager matched his season total for penalty minutes in just one game. He now has 34 minutes in the penalty box on the season. If your league rewards heavily for penalty minutes, you should definitely think about adding Eager to your roster.

Flyers make big roster move

News: The Philadelphia Flyers waived defenseman Nolan Baumgartner, right winger Niko Dimitrakos and center Petr Nedved on Wednesday, a day after a 9-1 loss to the Sabres. The team called up forwards Ben Eager and Stefan Ruzicka, the Phantoms' leading scorer, and defenseman Alexandre Picard. "I thought we, well, I can't even describe what I'm thinking," general manager Bob Clarke told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Our emotions as a team were good against the Rangers [on Oct. 7], about one-half against the Devils [on Saturday] and certainly not very good (Tuesday). This is something we have to get to the bottom of and find what the problem is. A couple of these kids had very good training camps, and now they're going to get their chance."

Analysis: In six games, Nedved has no points and has a minus-7 rating and Baumgartner has one assist. In two games, Dimitrakos has no points and is minus-2. Picard's stay might be a brief one with Lars Jonsson (ankle) and Mike Rathje (back) nearing a return. Anyway, drop Baumgartner and Dimotrakos in all Fantasy leagues, but keep an eye on Nedved. He might land with another team very shortly. As far as the trio the Flyers recalled, avoid them in all leagues for now as well.

Analysis: The organization also assigned F Steve Downie to Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League and D Oskars Bartulis to Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. None of the players mentioned above are useful in seasonal leagues, but Picard, Potulny and Downie are all worth looks in long-term keeper formats.

Eager sent to the minors

News: The Flyers reassigned LW Ben Eager to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. Eager had three goals and five assists for eight points and 18 penalty minutes in 20 games for the Flyers this season.